by Robert Freeman

Created on: June 30, 2009   Last Updated: September 24, 2010

Anchorage, Alaska is a city of approximately 250,000 people nestled along Cook Inlet in South Central Alaska and is the largest city in size and population in the whole state. Even though this is true, Anchorage is a major destination for wildlife viewing enthusiasts from all over the world and one doesn't need to go far to see it.

Sites Within Anchorage

As a matter of fact the downtown streets of Anchorage itself are often visited by wandering

Moose, swooping Bald Eagles, Deer, Swans, Canadian Geese, and on a rare occasion a Black Bear or two. Although this usually happens when traffic is light and most people are asleep, one still has the opportunity to see wildlife within the city itself.

There are also other opportunities within the city of Anchorage to explore the wildlife of the area to include the famed Alaska Zoo which provides a caged view into the world of wild Alaska or an untamed view into this exciting world when you venture into Kincaid Park in southwestern Anchorage.

Sites North or South of the City

If you want to leave the city of Anchorage to see wildlife in more untouched environments then leave the city on the highway to the north or the south and you will quickly come across ample opportunities to see the wildlife of Alaska in its natural locations. Heading north out of Anchorage gives you access to Denali National Park and many other wildlife protection areas that will assuredly provide you days of wildlife viewing that are unmatched anywhere else in the country.

Potter Marsh

When you head south out of Anchorage on the Seward Highway, the opportunities to see wildlife start the minute you drive through the Old Seward Highway underpass and arrive at Potter Marsh. This tidal lowland offers excellent views of waterfowl and the occasional Moose either by the passerby on the road or by foot traffic utilizing the well-maintained wooden pier that travels along the western edge of the marsh.

Beluga Point

Continuing south along the Seward Highway you will come across a turn out with a small parking lot on a rocky inlet that sticks out into the Cook Inlet. This little rocky crag is known as Beluga Point and its name hints at what type of animals you can see from its strategic location overlooking the waters of the inlet. All along the Seward Highway you have breathtaking views of the waters of the inlet but Beluga Point offers the passerby the best spot to locate and watch Beluga Whales swimming in pods searching for food.

You will be amazed and

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